BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week The Captain’s Apprentice from 9.45am Monday 26 September

Following in the footsteps of Ralph Vaughan Williams, Caroline Davison explores the influence of folk song and the Fens on the composer, in the 150th anniversary of his birth. Ralph Vaughan Williams was a keen collector of folk songs, and committed to saving these indigenous tunes before they could be forgotten. In 1905 he was in King's Lynn where James 'Duggie' Carter sang 'The Captain's Apprentice'. The tune was beautiful and the melody, harmony and feeling went on to shape Vaughan Williams' future composition. Yet, in stark contrast, the lyrics of this song told a tale of brutal torture at sea.

Alongside the story of Ralph Vaughan Williams' passion for folk song and the Fens, Caroline Davison delves into the plight of cabin boys on the high seas who were at the mercy of unscrupulous sea captains. Folk songs are not the only the theme examined in this account, we also discover how the landscape of the Fens inspired Vaughan Williams work, and there are glimpses into the composer's personal life, and the times in which he lived.

Monday 26 September 9.45 repeated 00.30 1 of 5 Norfolk Rhapsody
Caroline Davison explores the influence of folk song and the Fens on the composer.
Tuesday 27 September 9.45 repeated 00.30 2 of 5 Folk Song and Composition
Inspired by song collecting in King's Lynn, Vaughan Williams composes Norfolk Rhapsodies.
Wednesday 28 September 9.45 repeated 00.30 3 of 5 Vaughan Williams and Fen Country
Ralph Vaughan Williams's emotional connection to the Fens found expression in his music where memories of youth, love and happiness make their mark.
Thursday 29 September 9.45 repeated 00.30 4 of 5 Vaughan Williams Has an Epiphany
In 1903 the composer meets Mr Potiphar and has a musical epiphany.
Friday 30 September 9.45 repeated 00.30 5 of 5 The Captain’s Apprentice Is Revisited
The composer revisits The Captain's Apprentice after disaster strikes the Norfolk coast.